92 GARDEN PLANNING 



are little better than shingle, being almost or 

 entirely devoid of binding material. Gravels 

 of this kind will never make a firm path, and 

 a path of loose pebbles is objectionable on 

 account of the liability of the smaller- stones 

 to be carried on to the grass. 



The best gravel has a definite proportion 

 of a clay-like constituent, probably containing 

 iron oxide, which forms a natural cement, 

 and ensures that the path becomes duly com- 

 pacted under the roller. The presence of this 

 constituent is readily detected by the eye and 

 finger in handling. Moreover, it is mainly 

 the cause of the red colour, so that the path 

 maker should be suspicious of pale-coloured 

 gravel. 



Let us now follow the process of making. 

 After staking out the course of the path, the 

 soil must be excavated to a depth of twelve 

 inches, or until a firm bottom is reached, and 

 taken bodily away. The gardener will be 

 sure to have a use for it. The trench must 

 then be filled in with rubble, brick rubbish, 

 or other light material, to provide drainage 

 and to ensure a firm foundation. 



Over this may be put a layer of shingle or 



